WAUSAU - Northcentral Technical College of Wausau is the second-highest ranked online community college in the United States and represents the best in Wisconsin, according to an Internet-based college rating service.

NTC scored a 96.9 on Best Value Schools' 100-point rating scale, according to the website.

"Northcentral Tech has created a dedicated distance learning division known as 'Virtual College,'" the evaluators at Best Value Schools wrote. "Members of Virtual College enjoy unprecedented flexibility in deciding when to begin class, how (and how quickly) to study, and even when to turn in assignments.

"This level of convenience might explain why more than 60 percent of NTC students return for a second year. Of course, it could also be due to the college’s vast array of online programs, which includes unique degrees in Digital Marketing, Leadership Development, and Small Business Entrepreneurship."

Best Value Schools first identified the highest-ranked school per state to create its top 50 list, which focused on colleges that offer two-year associate's degrees, diplomas and technical or vocational certificates. The organization said it "sorted through" 1,100 community colleges in the U.S. to develop its ranking.

To be included, the schools had to offer at least one degree or certificate entirely through distance, or virtual, education.

Factors in the overall rankings included total number and variety of online degree programs, student retention and graduation rates, and the total cost of in-state tuition and fees, according to Best Value Schools.

The website says that although it accepts money from colleges to be featured in its online promotions, it does not allow colleges to pay for placement in the rankings.

The No. 1 ranked school, which set the pace with a score of 100, was Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina.